This call formed part of discussions at a panel session dubbed “Equity, Innovation and Sports: Serving Communities for the Elimination of NTDs”, held during the 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs. Speaking at the forum, Ms Diop challenged journalists to move beyond conventional reporting and actively engage philanthropists and private-sector players to invest in Africa’s NTD elimination agenda. She underscored the importance of blending creative and artistic advocacy with sound technical knowledge of NTDs to ensure media campaigns align with elimination targets and deliver tangible results. He noted that athletes and youth-led initiatives have a unique ability to drive awareness, confront stigma and encourage early detection and treatment-seeking behaviour among affected populations. The 4th REMAPSEN Media Forum on NTDs is being held under the theme “From Neglect to Spotlight: Driving Africa’s Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Agenda.”The forum brings together journalists, health experts, policymakers, researchers and development partners to strengthen media engagement and amplify Africa’s response to NTDs.